Central Visayas – The second batch of the Training of Trainers on Participatory Guarantee System was held on May 16 – 27, 2022 at ATI RTC 7 Training Complex, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Twenty-one (21) farmers and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) who represented the four provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor were able to complete the 10-day extensive training.

The first batch of this training was conducted in Negros Oriental last March 14 – 25, 2022.

This training aims to capacitate PGS Groups on the establishment and operations consistent with the organic agriculture standards and corresponding technical regulations. In the course of the whole training, participants learned about the salient provisions, including the implementing rules and regulations, of the Organic Agriculture Act as amended by RA 11511 on Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS); the Organic Agriculture Standards and the National List of Permitted Substances for Organic Agriculture; the general requirements and procedures for accreditation of PGS group; how to conduct of peer review and certification protocols; and the current Philippine National Standards (PNS) for organic agriculture.

“Before, daghan ko ug pangutana bahin sa PGS. Pero natubag kini pinaagi sa presensya sa taga NOAB. Mapasalamot sad ko kaayo sa taga ATI sa pag organize niini nga training ug sa pag imbitar kanako. Unta sa sunod nga training, mag invite na gyud ta ug representative from Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) para naa gyuy levelling sa expectation ug kahibalo among farmers. Ug mas manghinaot gyud ko nga unta aduna nay ma certify na PGS group diri sa atong region,” said Eugene Gasendo from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental – one of the training participants.

Andrew M. Macaambac and Ma. Gracia Soliva-Pungay from ATI RTC -7; Mae Montecillo from Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 7; and Emmanuel A. Odtohan from DA-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office have shared their expertise on the topics discussed as resource persons while Maryjane Flor S. Patulilic served as member of the training management team. To connect better with farmers and AEWs from different local government units (LGU), Antonio Jesus C. Orbida, a member of National Organic Agriculture Board, also discussed the role of the LGU in the implementation of the PGS and Sagip Saka Act.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Ma. Gracia Soliva-Pungay, Project Officer, through her email at mgspungay@ati.da.gov.ph.